The San Francisco 49ers surprised everyone last year by going 13-3 and winning a playoff game, but if they want to show that it wasn't a fluke and advance further, the 49ers have to land a top-notch wide receiver during the offseason. 

It's possible they could get one in the 2012 NFL draft, but their best bet is to pick up an elite wideout via free agency. 

Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee writes how the 49ers will be patient in their search for a wideout and that they likely won't over pay for anyone. 

ESPN senior writer John Clayton believes the 49ers shouldn't even pursue a No. 1 receiver, but rather the second-tier players since they have decent contributors already. 

Sure, they'd save money that way, but it wouldn't put the 49ers over the top and significantly increase their chances of reaching the Super Bowl. 

Signing one of the best free-agent wide receivers will benefit them more, so shelling out more money is something they have to do. 

Barrows' thoughts are spot on in the sense that the 49ers should keep trying for all until they get one. 

The 49ers might show interest initially in, say, Dwayne Bowe. If Bowe's market value goes beyond what the 49ers want to pay, they'll move to their next target, say, Vincent Jackson. If Jackson's price tag gets unwieldy, they'll move to Marques Colston, etc., etc.

There's a difference between overpaying and spending big. The 49ers are going to have to drop big dollars if they really want to improve, but by no means do they have to spend more than a player is worth. 

Still, San Francisco must do whatever it takes to get a player like Bowe, Jackson or Colston. Those three will generate the most buzz during free agency, so others like Steve Johnson, DeSean Jackson, Reggie Wayne, Mario Manningham or even Plaxico Burress would be solid options for the 49ers. 

Some of these guys are likely to stay with their current team either through a big extension or being given the franchise tag. This means the 49ers have to sit back and see which elite guys are available, and then they must attack vigorously in their pursuit. 

If it means spending just a little over than what they really wanted to, then so be it. The only way the 49ers will become a serious contender that strikes fear in all opponents is by having a more prolific offense.

Yes, the 49ers offense looked extremely good at times this past season. However, by getting a true No. 1 wideout this offseason, the 49ers offense can start to be consistently scary and also be able put the ball in the end zone more often. 

Finding that top-notch receiver in the coming month is a must, or else the 49ers won't be getting past the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers of the NFC.